KUALA LUMPUR: Strong growth in Axiata Group Bhd's bottomline coupled with resilient cash flow underpin the telco's performance in the first quarter of 2026.
According to group CEO and managing director Vivek Sood, the group has had an encouraging quarter, which reflects disciplined execution and clear progress in advancing its next state of growth via the execution of Axiata28: Advancing Asia.
"Under Axiata28: Advancing Asia, we are sharpening our focus on capital discipline, portfolio simplification and unlocking the full potential of our operating companies, enabled by a lean Holding Company and a disciplined asset management approach across our telecommunications and technology portfolios," he said in a statement.
In the quarter under review, Axiata posted a net profit of RM273.8mil, up from RM159.84mil in the year-ago quarter. Earnings per share rose to three sen from 1.7 sen previously.
Quarterly revenue dipped to RM2.8bil from RM2.89bil in the previous comparative quarter due to foreign exchange translation efects.
"On a constant currency basis, revenue grew 8.5% year-on-year (y-o-y), reflecting continued operational resilience across the group’s telecommunications and Technology portfolios," said the group.
Axiata said its telecommunications portfolio delivered improved operating performance during the quarter, supported by stronger market structures, ongoing integration progress and
continued cost optimisation across key markets.
5G rollout continued across most operating companies, with Robi remaining at an early stage of deployment, it said.
Meanwhile, the group said 5G rollout is progressing across all its markets. “We are streamlining the portfolio to optimise performance and unlock value, strengthening cash generation from our telecommunications assets while scaling and realising value from our Technology businesses to support long-term shareholder returns.”